GIS-Based Analysis and Mapping of the Winter Chilling Hours in Mainland Spain. Application to Some Sweet Cherry Cultivars

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Excellent data collection and the time frame examined.
Excellent choice of algorithms for data analysis.

What is the main question addressed by the research?

gis analysis.

Is it relevant and interesting?

yes

How original is the topic?

yes

What does it add to the subject area compared with other published material?

Create a gis map of the need for cold of the crop involved in the survey.

Is the paper well written?

yes

Is the text clear and easy to read?

yes

Are the conclusions consistent with the evidence and arguments presented?

yes

Do they address the main question posed?

yes

Author Response

Thank you for your kindness and availability to review the manuscript.

Reviewer 2 Report

Dear Authors,

The topics discussed in the manuscript are interesting and important. The structure of the work, the methods used and the description of the results are appropriate.

I only propose to consider two points:
1. Add a note in the title that this applies to an example of sweet cherries.
2. In the introduction, write more clearly what is the research gap.

  However, I think the completion of my two points would be favorable for the manuscript.  

What is the main question addressed by the research? - 

The main issue in the work is to show the spatial differences of winter chilling hours in order to adjust the cultivation of sweet cherries.  

Is it relevant and interesting? 

The issues taken up are very essential and important. Especially when dealing with climate change and ensuring food security.  

How original is the topic? 

To my knowledge, there is no such comprehensive analysis of this issue.

What does it add to the subject area compared with other published material?

It is a comprehensive approach to spatial analysis and it presents important implications for farmers and policy.

Is the paper well written? 

Yes, the work is well written, the structure is correct. I propose to clearly show the research gap and research goals in the introduction. In addition, a reference to sweet cherries should be added in the title.

Is the text clear and easy to read?

Yes.

Are the conclusions consistent with the evidence and arguments presented?

Yes. 

Do they address the main question posed?

Yes.

Author Response

Firstly, thank you for your review. 

We have addressed the two points indicated:

1) A note has been added to the title according to the suggestion. In consequence, the new title is "GIS-based analysis and mapping of the winter chilling hours in mainland Spain. Application to some sweet cherry cultivars".

2) The last paragraph of the introduction section show the objectives of the study. We have added an additional sentence to highlight them.